Pallet tiering frame structure

ABSTRACT

A releasable interlock for a pallet tiering frame structure comprising two non-identical sections each with a pair of upright posts connected at their upper ends by V-shaped top members and having pallet engaging feet at their lower ends. The interlock structure involves a pin having diametrical abutments and projecting from the apex of one top member which, when inserted into aligned apertures in the apex of the other top member and turned substantially 90* about its axis, secures the frame sections together on the pallet.

United States Patent 1 1 Skubic 1 1 Jan. 9, 1973 54 PALLET TIERING FRAME3,249,072 5/1966 Skubic 1. 108/53 STRUCTURE 3,364,883 1/1968 Evans 1..103 53 3 4 53.5 [75] Inventor: Leroy F. Skublc, LaPorte, lnd. 2/1972Bubble 287/ [73] Assignee: The Paltler Corporation, Michigan PrimaryExaminer-Bobby R. Gay

City, lnd. Assistant Examiner--Glenn O. Finch [221 Filed: Dec. 8, 1971Attorney-C. Fredenck Leydig et al. [21] Appl. No.: 205,929 [57] ABSTRACTA releasable interlock for a pallet tiering frame struc- 21 turecomprising two non-identical sections each with a [51] lift. Cl. ..B65d19/38 pair of upright posts connected at their upper ends by [58] Fleldof Search ..108/5l58, 153; V.. haped top members and having palletengaging 237/54 feet at their lower ends. The interlock structureinvolvesa pin having diametrical abutments and project- References Clteding from the apex of one top member which, when inserted into alignedapertures in the apex of the other UNITED STATES PATENTS top member andturned substantially 90 about its 1,520,520 12/1924 Thomason ..108/l53axis, secures the frame sections together on the pallet. 2,942,8266/1960 De Pew et al. ..l08/53 2,953,340 9/1960 Skubic ..108/53 7 Claims,7 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJAN 9 mm 9164 SHEET 1 [IF 2 PATENTEU JAN 9I975 SHEET 2 BF 2 F944; g C

PALLET TIERING FRAME STRUCTURE DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The presentinvention relates to pallet tiering frame structures and, moreparticularly, to a releasable interlock for quickly and easily securinga pair of frame sections together on a supporting pallet.

One object of the invention is to provide a pallet tiering framestructure comprising a pair of non-identical frame sections adapted tobe releasably secured together with great rigidity as an incident tomounting the frame on a supporting pallet.

Another object is to provide a pallet tiering frame structure of thecharacter set forth above with an interlock between frame sections whichcannot become accidentally disengaged due to impact or to tilting of thepallet in course of handling. A further object is to provide a pallettiering frame structure of the foregoing type which may be quicklyassembled and disassembled by one man without necessity for specialtools or fixtures.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent asthe following description proceeds, taken with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative pallet tiering framestructure embodying the present invention and mounted on a pallet.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view through the releasableinterlock portion of the illustrative frame structure of FIG. 1, takenin the plane of the line 2- 2.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view through theinterlock as shown in FIG. 2, taken in the plane of the line 3-3.

FIGS. 4, Sand 6 are sequential side elevational views illustrating thesteps in mounting the illustrative frame structure on the pallet.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the illustrative frame structure in placeon the pallet.

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications andalternative constructions, a certain illustrative embodiment has beenshown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that there is no intention to limit theinvention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, theintention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, andequivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Referring more specifically to FIG. 1, the invention is thereexemplifiedin a pallet tiering frame structure 10 mounted in place on apallet 11. The frame structure comprises two non-identical sections l2,14 each comprising a pair of upright posts having pallet engaging feetat their lower ends and connected at their upper ends by a generallyV-shaped top member which overlies the pallet when the frame is securedin place. Thus the section 12 comprises a pair of posts 15, palletengaging feet 16 and a top member I8. The section 14 comprises a pair ofposts 15, pallet engaging feet 16 and a mating top member 19. The topmembers I8, 19 are in this instance fabricated from hollow tubular stockand welded to the tops of the posts 15.

Although the frame structure 10 has been illustrated herein with itsposts and feet engaging the corners of the pallet, it may also beapplied to installations where the posts and feet engage central orintermediate areas away from the pallet corners.

frame sections l2, 14 together as an incident to mounting the tieringframe structure on the pallet. In furtherance of this objective, alocking pin 20 is rigidly secured to the tubular member 19 so as toproject longitudinally from the apex thereof (FIGS. l-3). The pin 20lies in the general plane of the member 19 and is situated diametricallythereof in a pair of aligned holes in its wall, being secured thereto asby means of weld 21 about the slightly projecting rearward end of thepin. The forward end of the locking pin 20 projects substantially fromthe member 19 to an extent which exceeds the outer diameter of themating tubular member 18. The latter is provided with a pair of alignedholes 22, 24 lying in its general plane and adapted to receive theprojecting end portion of the pin 20 which is tapered as at 25 tofacilitate entry into the holes 22, 24-.

To provide the desired locking action, the outwardly projecting portionof the pin 20 is formed with a pair of diametrically opposed abutments26 (FIGS. 2, 3) which are tapered toward its projecting end. Theabutments 26 are spaced from the outer peripheral surface. of the member19 by an amount less than the inner radius of the member 18 and, in thisinstance, by about twice the wall thickness of the member 18. Theopening 22 in the wall of the latter is closest proximity to the member19 is formed with a pair of diametrically opposed clearance slots'28.The latter are oriented at approximately about the axis of the pin 20from the abutments 26 when the frame sections 12, 14, are as- 'sembledon the pallet. In the present instance, the clearance slots 28 areoriented in a horizontal plane while the abutments 26 are oriented in agenerally vertical plane. These orientations may, of course, be shiftedas long as a difference of substantially 90 is maintained between them.With the parts engaged as indicated in FIG. 2, excellent structuralrigidity is obtained even allowing for the clearances needed tofacilitate easy assembly, shown in FIG. 2 exaggerated for purposes ofclearer illustration.

The pallet engaging feet 16 of the frame members (FIGS. 1, 4-7) areadapted to engage the corners of the pallet positively so as to precludeaccidental disengagement as from impact with a lift truck or tilting ofthe pallet during handling. Accordingly, it will be noted that each ofthe feet 16 is formed with a pair of opposed depending flanges 29, 30for engaging the lateral edges of its associated outer deckboard 31 ofthe pallet 11. The outermost flange 29 of each foot is also fashionedwith an in-turned extension 32 which partially underlies the deckboard31 so as to resist a direct upward thrust tending to disengage the footfrom the deckboard. To resist disengaging thrusts in the otherdirection, each of the feet 16 is formed with a depending flange 34adapted to abut against the end of the deckboard 31 and the opposedlongitudinal face of each outerboard stringer 35.

In FIGS. 4 through 7, the manner of assembling the frame 10 on thepallet 11 is shown sequentially. Starting with the unit disassembled asshown in FIGS. 4, one of the frame sections, for example the section 12,is first positioned on the pallet with its feet 16 engaging the endportions of the outer deckboard 31 and its top member 18 overlying thepallet, as shown in FIG. 5. The other frame section 14 is lifted andturned so that the plane of its top member 19 is substantially vertical,

as shown in FIG. 5. The section 14 is then moved toward the section 12and the locking pin inserted through the aligned apertures 22, 24 of thetop member 18. Under this condition, the abutments 26 and clearanceslots 28 lie in the same plane and the abutments 26 pass freely into theinterior of the member 18.

The section 14, including the top member 19 and locking pin 20 are movedaxially of the pin 20 until the apexes of the members 18 and 19 are incontact. When this occurs, the section 14 is rotated throughapproximately 90 to its normal upright position, and its feet are pulledslightly outward of the pallet and brought into engagement with theouter deckboard 31 of the pallet, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. At the sametime, the locking abutments 26 are brought into engagement with theinner peripheral wall of the member 18, as shown in FIG. 2. The partsare so proportioned that when the frame sections are assembled on thepallet, a biasing force is set up tending to hold the depending flange29 of each foot securely against the outside edge of the deckboard 31.The posts of the assembled frame are tilted slightly inward with respectto the pallet and the top members 18, 19 are angled slightly downwardtoward the center of the pallet. In this condition, which is shown insomewhat exaggerated form in FIG. 6 merely for purposes of illustration,the structure possesses sufficient rigidity and stability to afford safesupport for heavy superimposed loads.

The pallet tiering frame structure described above may be quickly andeasily assembled and disassembled with a minimum of manpower. One man,working without tools or special fixtures, may readily assembly ordisassemble a large number of such frames. The frame sections whendisassembled, may be easily nested for storage. The interlock elementsare simple, rugged, and capable of being subjected to hard usage withoutlikelihood of damage.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a pallet tiering frame adapted for detachable mounting on a palletand having two non-identical frame sections, each said sectioncomprising a pair of upright posts connected at their upper ends by a V-shapedtop member and having pallet engaging means at their lower ends, areleasable interlock for said frame sections comprising, in combination,

a. a locking pin rigidly fixed transversely of one said V-shaped topmember and projecting outward from the apex thereof in the plane of saidone top member;

. a pairiof diametrically opposed abutments on said pin spaced axiallyfrom said top member by an amount substantially less than the innerradius of the other said top member;

c. means defining a pair of alined apertures in said other top member atthe apex thereof, said openings being of a size adapted to receive saidlocking pin;

. means defining a pair of diametrically opposed slots in the one ofsaid apertures in closest proximity to said one top member, said slotsbeing disposed at substantially 90 to the diametrical axis of saidabutments when said frame sections are mounted on the pallet;

e. whereby said frame sections may be interlocked by mountin one saidsection on the pallet with its V- shaped op member overlying the same,turning stantially about said pin, and engaging thefeet of said othersection with said pallet. I

2. In a pallet tiering frame as defined in claim 1, the combinationwherein said locking pin is fixed at its rearward end to said oneV-shaped top member.

3. In a pallet tiering frame as defined in claim 1, the

combination wherein said diametrically opposed abutments on said lockingpin are tapered toward its projecting end.

4. In a pallet tiering frame adapted for detachable mounting on a palletand having two non-identical frame sections, each said sectioncomprising a pair of upright posts connected at their upper ends by a V-shaped top member and having pallet engaging means at their lower ends,a releasable interlock forsaid frame sections comprising, incombination,

a. a locking pin rigidly fixed transversely of one said V-shaped topmember and projecting outward from the apex thereof inthe plane of saidone top member;

. a pair of diametrically opposed abutments on said pin spaced axiallyfrom said top member by an amount substantially less than the innerradius of the other'said top member;

c. means defining a pair of alined apertures in said other top member atthe apex thereof, said openings being of a size adapted to receive saidlocking pin;

means defining a pair of diametrically opposed slots in the one of saidapertures in closest proximity to said one top member, said slots beingdisposed at substantially 90 to the diametrical axis of said abutmentswhen said frame sections are mounted on the pallet;

e. a plurality of pallet engaging feet fixed to the lower ends of saidupright posts; 1 f. each said foot having a pair of opposed flangesadapted for engagement with the lateral edges of an outer deckboard; andeach, said foot having a third depending flange adapted to engage theend of the outer deckboard.

5. In a pallet tiering frame as defined in claim 4, the combinationwherein the diametrical axis of said abutments on said locking pin isoriented generally vertically and the diametrical axis of said slots insaid one top member is oriented generally horizontally when said framesections are mounted on the pallet.

6. In a pallet tiering frame as defined in claim 4, the combinationwherein the lower ends of said pairs of posts and theirpallet engagingfeet are biased toward each other.

7. in a pallet tiering frame as defined in claim 4, the combinationwherein the outermost one of each pair of depending flanges is formedwith an in-turned extension underlying the outer deckboard.

1. In a pallet tiering frame adapted for detachable mounting on a palletand having two non-identical frame sections, each said sectioncomprising a pair of upright posts connected at their upper ends by aV-shaped top member and having pallet engaging means at their lowerends, a releasable interlock for said frame sections comprising, incombination, a. a locking pin rigidly fixed transversely of one saidV-shaped top member and projecting outward from the apex thereof in theplane of said one top member; b. a pair of diametrically opposedabutments on said pin spaced axially from said top member by an amountsubstantially less than the inner radius of the other said top member;c. means defining a pair of alined apertures in said other top member atthe apex thereof, said openings being of a size adapted to receive saidlocking pin; d. means defining a pair of diametrically opposed slots inthe one of said apertures in closest proximity to said one top member,said slots being disposed at substantially 90* to the diametrical axisof said abutments when said frame sections are mounted on the pallet; e.whereby said frame sections may be interlocked by mounting one saidsection on the pallet with its V-shaped top member overlying the same,turning the other said section with its Vshaped top member substantiallyperpendicular to the plane of the first, inserting said locking pinthrough said apertures, turning said other frame section substantially90* about said pin, and engaging the feet of said other section withsaid pallet.
 2. In a pallet tiering frame as defined in claim 1, thecombination wherein said locking pin is fixed at its rearward end tosaid one V-shaped top member.
 3. In a pallet tiering frame as defined inclaim 1, the combination wherein said diametrically opposed abutments onsaid locking pin are tapered toward its projecting end.
 4. In a pallettiering frame adapted for detachable mounting on a pallet and having twonon-identical frame sections, each said section comprising a pair ofupright posts connected at their upper ends by a V-shaped top member andhaving pallet engaging means at their lower ends, a releasable interlockfor said frame sections comprising, in combination, a. a locking pinrigidly fixed transversely of one said V-shaped top member andprojecting outward from the apex thereof in the plane of said one topmember; b. a pair of diametrically opposed abutments on said pin spacedaxially from said top member by an amount substantially less than theinner radius of the other said top member; c. means defining a pair ofalined apertures in said other top member at the apex thereof, saidopenings being of a size adapted to receive said locking pin; d. meansdefining a pair of diametrically opposed slots in the one of saidapertures in closest proximity to said one top member, said slots beingdisposed at substantially 90* to the diametrical axis of said abutmentswhen said frame sections are mounted on the pallet; e. a plurality ofpallet engaging feet fixed to the lower ends of said upright posts; f.each said foot having a pair of opposed flanges adapted for engagementwith the lateral edges of an outer deckboard; g. and each said foothaving a third depending flange adapted to engage the end of the outerdeckboard.
 5. In a pallet tiering frame as defined in claim 4, thecombination wherein the diametrical axis of said abutments on saidlocking pin is oriented generally vertically and the diametrical axis ofsaid slots in said one top member is oriented generally horizontallywhen said frame sections are mounted on the pallet.
 6. In a pallettiering frame as defined in claim 4, the combination wherein the lowerends of said pairs of posts and their pallet engaging feet are biasedtoward each other.
 7. In a pallet tiering frame as defined in claim 4,the combination wherein the outermost one of each pair of dependingflanges is formed with an in-turned extension underlying the outerdeckboard.